Effects of PEMF and LIPUS Therapy on the Expression of Genes Related to Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Schwann Cells

Abstract

Peripheral nerve regeneration remains a major challenge in neuroscience, despite advancements in understanding its mechanisms. Current treatments, including nerve transplantation and drug therapies, face limitations such as invasiveness and incomplete recovery of nerve function. Physical therapies, like pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and low-intensity ultrasound (LIPUS), are gaining attention for their potential to enhance regeneration. This study analyzes the effects of PEMF and LIPUS on gene expression in human primary Schwann cells, which are crucial for nerve myelination and repair. Key genes involved in neurotrophin signaling (NGF, BDNF), inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β), and regeneration (CRYAB, CSPG, Ki67) were assessed. The results of this study reveal that combined PEMF and LIPUS therapies promote Schwann cell proliferation, reduce inflammation, and improve the regenerative environment, offering potential for optimizing these therapies for clinical use in regenerative medicine.